Kentwood · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kentwood public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Police department promotions
The police department promoted two lieutenants and two sergeants, expanding its command team for the first time in years.
Police Department 2025 performance
Kentwood firefighters handled 5,507 runs in 2025 — most of them medical calls — while keeping average response times at 4:34, beating the 5:20 promised to residents. The department also installed nearly 1,000 free smoke alarms and logged over 3,200 inspections.
New Deputy Fire Chief sworn in
Darren Duffany, a Navy veteran with 25 years at Royal Oak Fire Department, was sworn in as Deputy Fire Chief, filling the seat vacated when Mike Hip retired in December.
Code enforcement and neighborhood blight
A 44-year resident said Kentwood is getting run down, with trailers and trash in yards and landlords neglecting properties. City staff countered that code enforcement officers patrol daily and pointed her to the online complaint portal.
Princeton Estates neighborhood maintenance
Resident Bob Hines says the neighborhood's yards, sidewalks, and shrubs have visibly declined, with some owners unable to afford upkeep. He asked whether the city can offer assistance programs or stronger maintenance codes. A town hall on the issue is set for September 17 at the police department.
Winter equipment for DPW
The new compact loader and snow pusher will let the city clear parking lots — including the new community center — without pulling its big salt-loading loader off road duty.